Finite difference solution of differential equations with stochastic inputs

This paper discusses application of two numerical methods (central difference and predictor corrector) for the solution of differential equations with deterministic as well as stochastic inputs. The methods are applied to a second order linear differential equation representing a series RLC netowrk with step function, sinusoidal and stochastic inputs. It is shown that both methods give correct answers for the step function and sinusoidal inputs. However, the central-difference method of solution is recommended for stochastic inputs. This statement is justified by comparing the auto-correlation and cross-correlation functions of the central-difference solution (with stochastic inputs) with the corresponding theoretical values of a continuous system. It is further shown that the more common predictor-corrector methods, although suitable for solution of differential equations with regular inputs, diverge for stochastic inputs. The reason is that these methods, by the application of several point integral formulas, use a high degree of smoothing on the variable and its derivatives. Inherent in the derivation of these integral formulas is the assumption of the continuity of the variable and its derivatives, a condition which is not satisfied in problems with stochastic inputs.Note that the second order differential equation chosen here for numerical experiments can be solved by classical methods for all of the given inputs, including the probabilistic inputs. The classical methods, however, unlike the numerical solutions, can not be extended to nonlinear differential equations which frequently arise in the digital simulation of engineering problems.